(CNN) – Want to get away? Whether you need to get out of town for a few days or have a major vacation booked, there’s one thing all travelers need to do: pack.

Much of what you pack in suitcases you don’t need. Skip the books and magazines; it weighs down your bag. Instead, bring your iPad or Kindle.

Don’t have one? Maybe it’s time to invest in slim lightweight electronics.

You don’t need to bring your entire home office with you on vacation. It will be distracting. Instead, limit yourself to two devices.

Keep your expensive accessories, like jewelry, at home. You could lose something, or at worst, perhaps have it stolen.

When thinking about your wardrobe, consider: do you need a different outfit every day? This is the quickest way to run out of room in your luggage.

The folks at smartertravel.com suggest that, if it’s a short trip, bring just three tops and three bottoms that are practical, comfortable, and can be mixed and matched. You can always do a load of laundry on the road or even hand wash some items.

Instead of bringing an entire bag of toiletries, bank on getting free stuff from the hotel like shampoo, conditioner, soap, and lotion. Many hotels also supply toothbrushes, razors, mouthwash and other items. You just have to call the front desk and ask.